State agency shuts down Questcare

PRESTONSBURG — QuestCare Ambulance Service had its license suspended Thursday, following months of investigations into complaints of faulty equipment.

Michael Poynter, executive director of the Kentucky Board of Emergency Management Services, said in a statement released Thuresday afternoon, “After reviewing the evidence in an investigation of Questcare EMS, the Kentucky Board of Emergency Medical Services (KBEMS) Temporary Suspension Panel determined due to major deficiencies found systemwide an Order of Immediate Temporary Suspension was necessary to protect the public’s health, safety and welfare.”

Poynter continues, “Based upon evidence gathered by KBEMS through inspections, records reviews and investigations the panel concluded the acts are serious enough to immediately suspend all five of Questcare’s licenses in Eastern Kentucky serving Floyd , Johnson, Magoffin, Martin and Pike counties. The suspensions will remain in place until any appeals are completed and the board determines to retract the order or take final disciplinary action.”

A three-member panel was convened July 5 to hear the case of QuestCare Ambulance Services and make recommendations after several violations were found, including a lack of air conditioning in more than a dozen of the ambulances. All but six of the 21 ambulances listed on QuestCare’s license had been parked due to maintenance issues.

The QuestCare ambulance fleet was brought out for inspection last Tuesday, following two months of speculation about the company’s future.

“The citizens of the Commonwealth entrust KBEMS with the responsibility to ensure the best possible emergency medical care is provided in every Kentucky community,” said Poynter.

Poynter says that KBEMS has contacted other ambulance services provides in the affected counties and has been assured that coverage will continue to be provided to patients needing medical services in these areas so no one goes without urgent medical care. KBEMS will continue to monitor any impacts on service.

“Folks will still get the emergency care that they need, it just wont be supplied by QuestCare,” said Kristie Middleton, PR manager with KCTCS.

KBEMS officials state that they will continue to monitor any impacts on service.